health

Latest News

8:06 am

Tue June 24, 2014

Life support is now required in Louisiana to keep pregnant women alive until after the birth of the child.

A new bill takes effect for those women who do not have a living will. Governor Bobby Jindal signed the bill into law Monday.

It was written by Democratic state Representative Austin Badon of New Orleans, and it takes effect immediately.

The bill requires doctors to use life-sustaining measures if the woman has been pregnant for 20 weeks or more. Also, an obstetrician must determine the woman's life "can reasonably be maintained" to permit the birth.

Tue June 24, 2014

The mission of Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast is to ensure the right and ability of all individuals to manage their sexual and reproductive health by providing health services, education and advocacy.

“This is the minimum things that happen when a woman comes in to a Planned Parenthood clinic for a family planning visit,” begins Sharon Howard, a consultant for Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast who worked in the state Office of Public Health for 30 years.

Latest News

4:39 pm

Fri May 23, 2014

Gov. Bobby Jindal has agreed to ban Louisiana's minors from using tanning beds.

The governor's office announced Friday that Jindal signed into law the bill by New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno, prohibiting anyone under the age of 18 from using tanning facilities.

Supporters say the prohibition will lower risks of skin cancer associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight or tanning lamps and beds. At least five other states have similar prohibitions.

Green Minute

8:00 am

Fri May 16, 2014

Spring is in the air and so are the allergens! Yes, it’s allergy season. While it might seem counterintuitive, most experts agree that as we spend more and more time indoors, our allergic reactions increase. And while allergens typically trigger cold-like symptoms such as sniffling and sneezing, they can also trigger asthma attacks.

With some of the nation’s harshest punishments for marijuana possession and an ultra-conservative Republican governor at the helm, few would expect Louisiana might be the next state to allow folks to light up a joint. Yet one state lawmaker is planning to push to lighten up some pot laws during the upcoming legislative session.

Infected mosquitos transmit these parasites to your pet's bloodstream. Heartworm disease is most common in dogs, but can also affect cats. It causes coughing, fatigue, weight loss, and, if left untreated, is fatal. Heartworms are difficult and expensive to treat, but easy and affordable to prevent with a monthly pill. If you're a dog or cat owner, make sure to protect your pet.